One in Three Filipino Workers Already Feel Burned Out Mid-Year, Study Reveals

A growing number of Filipino employees are experiencing burnout long before the year reaches its final stretch, according to a nationwide study conducted by Agile Data Solutions Inc. The survey highlights an alarming trend: while many workers remain satisfied with their careers, an increasing number are struggling to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.

The study, conducted through Hustle PH, surveyed 1,111 working Filipinos across the country. It found that one in three respondents already describes themselves as generally or completely exhausted halfway through the year. Although 84% said they are satisfied with their careers, 60% believe their professional growth has stalled, with many only beginning to feel "stuck" within the past month.

One of the report's most significant findings is that burnout is not primarily caused by heavy workloads. Instead, employees say they are exhausted because work leaves little room for family, hobbies, rest, and personal time. Difficulty maintaining work-life balance ranked as the leading cause of burnout, surpassing concerns about salary, workload, management, and unclear direction from supervisors.

The effects are becoming increasingly visible. Nearly half of the respondents reported experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches and body pain, while one in four admitted that work-related thoughts regularly disrupt their sleep. These findings suggest that the pressures of modern work extend far beyond office hours.

The study also reveals a growing desire among Filipinos to seek alternative career paths. Nearly 79% have considered changing careers during the past six months, while 45% are already taking concrete steps toward making that change. Interestingly, entrepreneurship emerged as the most attractive option, ahead of switching companies, freelancing, or pursuing promotions. Workers cited better career growth and improved work-life balance as their primary motivations for seeking change.

However, financial obligations remain the biggest obstacle. More than one-third of respondents said the need for stable income prevents them from pursuing new opportunities, highlighting the difficult balance between career satisfaction and financial security.

Burnout is also beginning to affect workplace performance. One in three employees admitted they sometimes perform only the minimum required at work, while one in four said their productivity has declined compared to the beginning of the year. Personal issues outside the workplace were identified as the leading reason for this decrease in motivation.

Despite these challenges, optimism remains strong. Four out of five Filipino workers still feel hopeful about the second half of the year. The study suggests that employers can better support their workforce by offering competitive compensation, clearer career advancement opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and policies that enable employees to achieve a healthier work-life balance. Creating workplaces that value both productivity and personal well-being may be the key to reducing burnout and retaining talent in the months ahead.

Smart, Sam YG Empower Customers on Scams and Digital Habits

As digital threats grow alongside rapid technological advancement, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is strengthening its push to equip Filipinos with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

At its recent Customer Day at the Smart Store in SM North EDSA Cyberzone, the spotlight went beyond connectivity — focusing instead on education and responsible digital behavior, and empowering customers to make the most of today's digital world.

Smart Customer Day is a celebration of the customers who continue to place their trust in Smart. Customers enjoyed exclusive event-only promos on devices and connectivity, while taking part in interactive activities and practical learning sessions designed to help them stay informed, connected, and confident in an increasingly digital world.

Through its SCAMpaign, Smart continues to raise awareness on evolving online threats, helping subscribers recognize, avoid, and report scams in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Customers also learned practical digital payment habits, including the benefits of cashless transactions, protecting financial information online, and adopting safe payment practices that make everyday transactions more convenient and secure

"This initiative reflects Smart's broader commitment to ensuring that customers are not only connected but also protected and empowered. We hope that through the Smart Customer Day, they can have fun and learn skills that can help them maximize the use of their mobile devices and safely navigate the online world," said Brenda M. Dichoso, FVP for Customer Experience at Smart.

Event host, content creator, and Smart brand ambassador Sam YG underscored the importance of responsible technology use, particularly in an era shaped by information overload and rapidly evolving online risks.

“Ang daming scams, fake news, so it’s also good to have these events so that we could properly discuss how to use this privilege, this power properly," he shared. “Since we are blessed with technology, it’s very important to be vigilant, to check if what we’ve digested is actually true, or baka fake news or scam. While tech is improving, scams are also improving.”

Guests also got to experience emerging technologies firsthand through a demonstration of Rokid augmented reality glasses, showcasing how innovation can enhance productivity, collaboration, and everyday digital experiences.

For long-time Smart subscribers, this focus on education and protection resonates deeply in everyday life — where reliable connectivity powers work, family responsibilities, and digital interactions.

“We won't be staying with Smart for 30 years if we’re not getting the right services. We feel valued as customers,” shared Jackie Rose Caez, emphasizing how dependable service supports her family’s work-from-home and online learning needs.

Subscriber Jose B. Montalbo, Jr., who frequently works in the field, echoed the importance of both connectivity and awareness. “That’s exactly the reason why I stick with Smart. Mas maganda ang signal sa probinsya, you have promos na swak na swak."

By bringing together education, real-life experiences, and expert insights, Smart continues to reinforce its role as a partner in customers’ digital journeys — one that goes beyond service to enable safer, more informed online participation.

“At Smart, we go beyond connectivity by listening to our customers and equipping them with the knowledge to stay safe, informed, and confident in the digital space,” said FVP and co-OIC at Smart Lloyd R. Manaloto.

From scam awareness to social media tips, Smart Customer Day showcased how mobile connectivity empowers everyday life, whether for work, creativity, or staying safe online. With more events lined up nationwide, Smart Customer Day will continue to highlight Smart’s commitment to delivering fast, reliable mobile experiences while bringing joy, learning, and meaningful connection to customers across the country.

Globe AT HOME Celebrates Pride by Powering Safe, Meaningful Connections for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Pride is more than a celebration. For many members of the LGBTQIA+ community, it is an act of courage, a declaration of belonging, and a reminder that everyone deserves spaces where they can be seen, accepted, and loved.

This Pride Month, Globe AT HOME brought this commitment to life by supporting Solidarity: The 15th Annual Pride Party, held at O Bar in Pasig City, long been considered by the LGBTQIA+ community as a second home and safe space.

Globe AT HOME provided reliable WiFi connectivity through its Fiber and 5G brands, allowing guests to stay connected to their friends, families, and digital communities. Globe AT HOME also added excitement to the celebration through raffle prizes and instant rewards, giving customers and partygoers more reasons to celebrate Pride with the people who matter most.

The initiative reflects Globe’s broader promise to uplift communities by creating both physical and virtual spaces for togetherness, where Filipinos can have the courage to form deep, meaningful connections with one another.

At the core of Globe’s culture is the belief that diversity fuels innovation, compassion, and progress. The company’s DEIB efforts are not one-off programs, but are integral to how Globe operates every day, from the open workplace it builds for its people to the products, platforms, and experiences it creates for its customers.

Globe has formalized its Code of Conduct and DEIB Policy Commitment, affirming zero tolerance for discrimination and reinforcing its pledge to uphold respect and dignity for all.

“Globe embraces diversity in all its forms because we believe that meaningful progress can only happen when everyone is seen, heard, respected, and given the space to thrive,” said Darius Delgado, Globe Chief Commercial Officer.

For Globe AT HOME, supporting Pride is also about recognizing the everyday role that connectivity plays in the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community. A reliable connection can help someone reach a trusted friend, stay close to their chosen family, access mental health support, join digital safe spaces, promote online businesses and creative ideas, or simply celebrate life freely and fully.

Through the strength of Globe’s consistent mobile and home connectivity, the company continues to empower relationships that move people forward together.

“Globe honors the everyday courage the LGBTQIA+ community takes to live proudly,” said Abigail Cardino, Vice President and Head of Globe’s Broadband Business. “Through safe and inclusive spaces, always-on access to support systems, and meaningful representation, we want to keep the community connected to the people, resources, and moments that give them strength. Whether at home, online, or in spaces where they feel most themselves, Globe AT HOME is proud to support connections that help people feel safe, seen, and celebrated.”

Through Globe AT HOME, GlobeOne app, its mobile and broadband services, and its broader culture of inclusion, Globe continues to create spaces—both physical and digital- where Filipinos can come together, support one another, and move forward with courage.

When people are free to connect with whoever and wherever they are, they are also free to live, love, and thrive.

Vivo Y31d Delivers Reliable Protection for the Philippine Rainy Season

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As the Philippines enters the height of the rainy season and tropical cyclone activity, consumers are once again facing the challenges of heavy rainfall, flooding, and weather-related disruptions. With smartphones playing a central role in daily life, having a device that can withstand wet conditions has become increasingly important for staying connected, informed, and productive.

Whether it's checking weather updates, communicating with family, navigating flooded streets, or accessing emergency services, smartphones have become indispensable during severe weather. However, constant exposure to rain, splashes, and moisture can affect touchscreen responsiveness and increase the risk of water-related damage, making durability a key consideration for today's mobile users.

Designed with these real-world challenges in mind, the Vivo Y31d offers advanced protection through its IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings, giving users greater confidence when using their device in unpredictable weather conditions. These certifications provide protection against dust, rain, water splashes, and even high-pressure water jets, making the smartphone well-suited for outdoor activities and daily commutes during the rainy season.

One of the standout features of the Vivo Y31d is its Wet-Hand Touch technology. This intelligent feature allows the display to accurately detect touch input even when the user's hands or the screen are wet due to rain, sweat, or accidental splashes. As a result, users can continue sending messages, booking rides, browsing maps, or accessing important information without experiencing significant interruptions.

The device is also engineered to withstand accidental exposure to water. With the ability to survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for as long as 30 minutes, the Vivo Y31d offers an added layer of protection against unexpected mishaps that are common during the rainy season.

Beyond water resistance, Vivo has also included a practical maintenance feature called One-Tap Water Ejection and Dust Removal. Using precisely calibrated vibrations, the smartphone helps remove residual water and dust from the speaker and charging port after exposure to moisture or debris. This feature helps preserve audio clarity and charging efficiency while reducing the inconvenience of manual cleaning.

Available in Glow White and Starlight Grey, the Vivo Y31d starts at Php 12,999 and comes in three storage configurations with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage. Consumers can purchase the device at authorized Vivo online and physical stores nationwide.

As unpredictable weather becomes part of everyday life, the Vivo Y31d delivers the durability, reliability, and practical features users need to stay connected—rain or shine.

Ragnarok: The New World Team Faces Hardcore Player Scrutiny Head-On

In an era where game marketing feels increasingly homogeneous, it's rare to see a team willingly hand the reins of judgment over to their community.

The upcoming Ragnarok: The New World, launching on July 16, recently extended a special invitation to four gamers to visit its Shanghai studio to act as “chief examiners” and conduct a rigorous, one-day surprise assessment of the development team.

Crowdsourced via Livestream: Player Comments Become the Ultimate Test

The four gamers, Junqko and Shipdont from Thailand, alongside Myrtle Sarrosa and Nikkinikki from the Philippines, are veterans with significant influence in the RO community.

Stepping into their roles as chief examiners, they invited viewers in the livestream to submit questions for the ROW team. Thousands of messages flooded the chat, spanning everything from class balance and the trading system to future update content roadmaps. Every single concern was captured, serving as raw ammunition to "grill" the Ragnarok: The New World development team.

Candid Exchange: A Journey Fuelled by Passion and Nostalgia

During the livestream, the examiners candidly admitted they had initially expected a routine, superficial studio visit. Instead, they discovered that the core development team is made up entirely of hardcore RO veterans themselves. This shared nostalgia instantly broke the ice, turning the meeting into a deeply engaging conversation.

When asked about the vision behind the project, the team's answer was pure and uncompromising: driven by a shared obsession to build a true next-generation, top-tier RO experience, they realized that instead of waiting around for someone else to make it, they had to take matters into their own hands.

Exclusive First Look: Hands-on with the New Class and Tournament Plans Revealed

The livestream also dropped major news about the official integration of large-scale tournaments into a long-term roadmap. Our examiners also actively joined the brainstorming session, injecting crucial feedback from a player’s perspective. In addition, the examiners snagged an exclusive, hands-on preview of Druid, a brand-new class set to debut with the SEA launch, leaving the audience absolutely craving more.

Embracing the Scrutiny: Giving the Microphone Back to the Players

In the gaming industry, "listening to the players' feedback" often devolves into an empty marketing slogan. However, Ragnarok: The New World chose a different path, handing the microphone directly to hardcore veterans who share a deep passion for RO. By inviting them into the studio to play, question, and debate face-to-face, the team transformed a routine visit into a transparent dialogue and a compelling industry experiment.

For a new installment bearing the weight of a classic franchise, this willingness to face players' critical scrutiny head-on is perhaps the ultimate reassurance a development team can offer players.

This showdown was well worth the anticipation, offering a masterclass in how to build a healthier, more symbiotic relationship between developers and players. If more teams follow suit and open their doors to real accountability, player trust will finally cease to be a luxury.

The journey is about to begin. Be part of the community and shape the future of Midgard!

Pre-register today: https://pse.is/99pdf4